A recent literature review found some interesting evidence suggesting that chiropractic care may have certain benefits for those suffering from insomnia. In the review, researchers evaluated some 15 studies that met their criteria. Their findings suggested that many of the therapies utilized by certain chiropractors including cranial manipulation, physio and manual therapies as well as mind-body therapies may have benefits for insomnia sufferers. However, no studies have been directly conducted to specifically evaluate and support these findings but based on these previous studies, it may be worth additional investigation.

U.K. and Canadian scientists have found vitamin D to be even more so vital to health and well being than previously thought. Their new findings have revealed vitamin D as a direct influencer of more than 200 human genes. One such gene is related to both cancer and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. According to scientists, vitamin D deficiency makes us susceptible to a wide host of diseases. Other diseases thought to be influenced by vitamin D deficiencies include rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes as well as dementia. Vitamin D is naturally produced in the body as a result of direct sun exposure to the skin. Vitamin D is also present in larger amounts in fish oils – a common source for most vitamin D supplements. It’s important to note that in larger quantities, vitamin D is also toxic. A number of experts recommend daily dosages of vitamin D ranging from 25 to 50 micrograms.

Results from a 2-year clinical trial have found large daily dosages of B vitamins can cut the rate of brain shrinkage in the elderly who suffer from memory problems in half. Researchers believe this may slow the progression towards dementia and thus be a treatment for those suffering from or at risk of suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. The dosage of vitamin B was administered in very high quantities - folate (also known as folic acid and vitamin B9) at 4 times the recommended daily dosage, vitamin B6 at 15 times the recommended dosage and vitamin B12 at 300 times the recommended dosage. B vitamins reduce plasma levels of homocysteine - an amino acid that is associated with not only an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, but also an increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral artery disease. It could be through these very large dosages that significantly lower blood levels of homocysteine result in less damage and shrinkage to the brain and its arterial supply. There is more research to be done but these new findings are very exciting and promising for the Alzheimer’s community.

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and the Association of Chiropractic Colleges (ACC) today commended Rep. Gene Green (D-Texas) and Rep. Lee Terry (R-Neb.) for introducing legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that calls for the appointment of doctors of chiropractic (DCs) as officers in the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps. The bill, H.R. 6032, would include DCs in the Regular Corps and the Ready Reserve Corps, and would require the president, in consultation with the Surgeon General and the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, to appoint no fewer than six DCs to the Commissioned Corps. Although the Commissioned Corps includes representatives from many diverse health care professions, no doctors of chiropractic have ever been appointed to serve—ACA and ACC have been working diligently with Reps. Green and Terry to advance this legislation, which specifically addresses this long-standing deficiency. The Commissioned Corps is an elite team of more than 6,000 well-trained, highly qualified public health professionals dedicated to delivering the nation’s public health promotion and disease prevention programs and advancing public health science. Officers in the Corps provide health care services in a variety of locations and venues, including care to members of the U.S. Coast Guard and at community health centers. “Both Rep. Green and Rep. Terry have been champions for improving access to quality health care, and are long-time supporters of the chiropractic profession’s role in delivering vital health services to our nation’s citizens,” said ACA President Rick McMichael, DC. “The services of doctors of chiropractic will be a tremendous value to the Commissioned Corps, and enacting this legislation will be another important milestone in the mission to fully integrate chiropractic care into the nation’s health care delivery system.” "Doctors of chiropractic already serve our nation's active-duty military and veterans with distinction and success,” said ACC President Frank Nicchi, DC. “H.R. 6032 will allow doctors of chiropractic to join forces with other health care providers in the fight against disease, poor health conditions and other threats during both non-emergency and emergency periods for our country. We extend our appreciation to Rep. Green and Rep. Terry for their bipartisan effort to introduce this long-overdue legislation.” H.R. 6032 has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which has jurisdiction over the USPHS. Reps. Green and Terry serve as senior members of that committee. ACA and ACC will soon initiate a range of grassroots activities to build support for this important legislation. To contact your Representative and urge them to cosponsor H.R. 6032, please visit the ACA Legislative Action Center. The American Chiropractic Association, based in Arlington, Va., is the largest professional association in the United States representing doctors of chiropractic. ACA promotes the highest standards of ethics and patient care, contributing to the health and well-being of millions of chiropractic patients. The Association of Chiropractic Colleges represents accredited chiropractic colleges in North America and seeks to advance chiropractic education, research and service.